‘1000-Lb Sisters’: Why the Show Is so Addicting
1000-lb Sisters has become quite the popular show on TLC. What started out as Amy and Tammy Slaton just posting YouTube videos for fans has turned into a three-season reality show watched by people all over the world. Unlike other reality shows, it’s hard to really grasp what brings viewers back to 1000-lb Sisters week after week. There are no competitions, no real love stories, and the drama can even seem redundant. So, what is it that keeps fans coming back?
What is ‘1000-lb Sisters’ about?
1000-lb Sisters follows Amy and Tammy as they try to lose weight and lead healthier lives. When the show first started, Tammy weighed around 600 pounds and Amy weighed around 400 pounds. Both women set out to lose enough weight to qualify for bariatric surgery. However, so far, only Amy has been able to get the procedure. Since starting her weight loss journey, Tammy has mostly gained weight and ostracized those in her family with her attitude.
Why is ‘1000-lb Sisters’ addictive?
While weight loss shows like My 600-lb Life have proven very popular for TLC, 1000-lb Sisters differs in a major way. The draw of weight loss shows is the transformations. While Amy was able to have surgery, she hasn’t made much progress since then and both Tammy and Chris Combs have regained most of the weight that they lost. So, why do fans keep tuning in?
“I love a good before and after or makeover story,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “Whether it be redoing a house, plastic surgery fixing, or weight loss. I love seeing results. This was great in season 1 because Amy lost weight. I know deep down (well not that deep, it’s pretty obvious) Tammy will never lose the weight but I’m still rooting for her.”
“Same reason I watch all the other trashy reality shows filled with awful people. Makes me feel better about myself. Horrible but honest,” another person wrote of why they tune in.
“I think shows on food addiction are interesting,” one user wrote. “With a drug or alcohol addiction, an addict will try to avoid having that in their life if they want to get clean. You can’t do that with food; you will always need it and be around it. Everyone in your life needs it too! So it’s an interesting addiction to manage/overcome.
“It’s also interesting to see people Tammy’s (and once Amy’s) size manage,” the person continued. “Like they couldn’t walk to their mailbox and Tammy can’t even reach the knobs on her stove. It makes me grateful for the things I can do and take for granted, and reminds me that a little activity is better than no activity. Every little bit counts.”
“I watch to talk about it with friends and online lol,” one fan said. “I like ‘My 600lb Life’ but it had gotten so formulaic that there’s no distinction from one episode to the next anymore. I saw the advertisement for ‘1000-lb Sisters’ and it was SO different. Some really funny moments too.”
“All of the above,” one person added. “Plus, I genuinely like most of the characters, apart from Tammy and their horrible witch of a mother. Tisa and Chris are awesome, I even like the doctors (though I miss hot Dr. Procter). Tammy can be rage-inducing, but I can’t look away.”
Season 3
Not much has changed since season 2 of 1000-lb Sisters. Tammy still has yet to reach the goal that Dr. Smith set out for her to get bariatric surgery. Amy has also fallen off the weight loss bandwagon and is largely back to her old ways. According to the synopsis for this season, both women will have to work together to overcome their bad habits and get back on track.
